with level evidence of progress in striking a deal to avoid " the fiscal cliff. >> the series a tax increases and spending cuts set to go into effect next year would dramatically alter the economy. but the the joins reports. >> we must get an agreement. --athena jones.. >> this is not a done deal or a certainty if congress does nothing which they're pretty good about these days. we will go over the fiscal cliff. >> staffers have a working behind the scenes to find common ground to avoid cuts that should be concerning for everyone. >> they should be worried if we have a defense job or if we are dependent on others of the federal budget. the regulation of our food safety, and our borders being secure. or fbi. >> the sticking point is what to do about taxes. the democrats want to raise taxes for the wealthy and republicans to not. the anti-tax crusader had gotten a majority of the " law makers to pledge not to support any effort to raise taxes. >> i'm willing to recorgenerate revenue. where is below but i will not raise tax rates to do it i will cap deductions, and violates the pledge, long stor